Generation of Regionally Specified Dopaminergic Neural Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
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Authors
Aponte, Christina
Jiang, Houbo, Dr.
Feng, Jian, Dr.
Issue Date
2016
Type
Learning Object
Presentation
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Parkinson's disease , Regenerative medicine , Nervous system--Degeneration
Alternative Title
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease
involving the malfunctioning and death of
dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Due to the depletion of
the neurons producing dopamine, there is a lack of
the neurotransmitters responsible for
communicating the signals necessary for movement
and coordination. We found that differentiating
induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to DA neuron
progenitors followed by transplantation into the rat
brain may enable differentiation into DA neurons.
After 3-4 months, we will extract the brain, mount it
on a sequence of slides, and observe their
differentiation. We have yet to produce consistent
results. However, we will continue to repeat
experimentation and review mechanics of the
protocol.